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The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of Norma Smith can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

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In Memory of

Norma Jean Smith

1922 - 2018

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The lighting of a Memorial Candle not only provides a gesture of sympathy and support to the immediate family during their time of need but also provides the gift of extending the Book of Memories for future generations.

Norma “Jean” Smith entered Heaven’s Gates on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the age 95. Jean was born at home on July 6, 1922 to Henry Otis and Iva May (Lutz) Barnt in Southworth, Ohio. In 1940, Jean was the Salutatorian for her graduating class at Lambertville High School in Lambertville, Michigan. On July 31, 1943, she married her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, Vondel L. Smith. His army training took them to Camp Gruber near Muskogee, Oklahoma where they met Denton and Aline Fair at the Muskogee Church of God. They took Vondel and Jean home for dinner and into their hearts as lifelong friends. During Vondel’s tour of duty in Europe, Jean returned to Toledo, Ohio where she worked with her dad at the Blue Line Fuel Company until Vondel’s return on November 16, 1945. Together they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Vondel completed his funeral service education. Upon graduation in 1947, the memory of the friendly people and the milder climate in the young state of Oklahoma led them to accept a tentative position with Hahn-Cook Funeral Home in Oklahoma City. In pursuit of their vision of serving people, they worked for Keeley-Neekamp Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and the Sherman Funeral Home in Britton, Oklahoma.

Finally, in 1957, they partnered with Bill and Mildred Merritt to open Smith and Merritt Funeral Home in the former residence of Oscar Rose, located at Hudson and S.W. 28th Street in Oklahoma City. Within six months, Jean and Vondel were able to buy out the Merritt’s interest and changed the name to Vondel L. Smith Mortuary. In addition to her responsibilities as the office manager, Jean became a licensed funeral director in 1959. Always active in the background supporting her husband in his endeavors, she was a member of the South Oklahoma City Rotary Ann’s, Oklahoma City Republican Women’s Club, Christian Women’s Book Club and numerous others civic activities. She continued in an active role until Vondel’s death in 1989. She remained a visible figure assisting with funerals into the early days of 2001. Jean was a member of Shartel Church of God where she was active in the Women of the Church of God and was once honored as Mother of the Year. Her presence was a blessing of sweetness and light to the residents and staff at Village on the Park and most recently Legend Assisted Living at Rivendell. She will always be remembered for her selflessness, her loving and giving spirit and her genuine concern for others. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vondel L. Smith; sister, Helen M. and husband Henry Quell; sister, Kathryn C. and husband Chester J. Knous; brother, H. Clayton Barnt and wife Lylahbelle Barnt; and sister, Wanda and husband Dick Merce. Jean is survived by her children: Marla J. Mallory and husband Robert, Jr.; Janelle Y. Creecy and husband David; V. Scott Smith and wife Deborah; Grandchildren: April Aviv, Tobin Wells, Maridyth Wells, James Groesbeck, Brittanie Groesbeck, Lauren Hill, Tyler and Trevor Smith; 12 great granddaughters and 6 great grandsons; Vondel’s brothers and sisters; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other loving family members and close friends.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Legend at Rivendell and Oklahoma Hospice Care for the tender and loving care provided to Jean and her family.

Viewing will be held at Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes from 12 noon - 8 PM Sunday, January 28th and 4-8 PM Monday, January 29th with family present from 5-7 PM Monday to greet guests. The family will gather on Tuesday morning, January 30, 2018 for a private burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. A public Memorial services to celebrate Jean’s life will be held 11:00 AM on January 30, 2018 at Shartel Church of God, 11600 S. Western Ave OKC.

This Book of Memories brings those affected by loss together by encouraging communication and self-expression. By giving friends and family a special place to tell their stories and express their feelings of loss, it helps them care for one another during a very difficult time. Click on any of the links to the right to access features or information within this memorial website.